XSS Matchsticks

XSS Matchsticks visually display how strain (XSS) is distributed among Low, High, and Peak energy systems during an activity, helping users assess effort allocation and intensity. They appear in Xert charts and planners, enabling quick comparison of ride intensity profiles and understanding of endurance versus high-intensity efforts.

Summary Generated by AI

Definition

XSS Matchsticks are a visual representation of how strain (XSS) was distributed across your three energy systems during an activity. 

They make it easy to see how your effort was allocated between:

• Low (Threshold system)
• High (High-Intensity Energy system)
• Peak (Peak Power system)

---

What It Means

The term “burning matches” comes from endurance racing... the idea that you only have a limited number of hard surges before fatigue limits your performance.

Xert extends this analogy:

• The long wooden part of the matchstick represents your Low system - steady, sustainable energy.
• The tip of the match represents your High and Peak systems - short, powerful efforts.

Activities with many intense surges will show more “burned” High and Peak strain, while steady endurance rides will show mostly Low strain.

---

Where You’ll See It

• In the Xert Performance Management Chart (XPMC)
• In the Forecast Chart
• In the Fitness Planner

Matchsticks allow you to quickly compare the intensity profile of different rides.

---

Related Terms

• Xert Strain Score (XSS)
• Low / High / Peak XSS
• Focus Duration
• Training Load